Easter Zimbabwe April 2014

Frogs in our room and fried maise as a ‘thankyou’ gift.

We left Kempton at 4 am on Sunday 13 April. The road came across as long and tiresome. We stopped for coffee at 6 and found the trailer lock on top of the bakkie’s lid. Eddie’s plan was to lock the trailer to the bakkie but forgot. 2 Hours of driving later, the lock was still where Eddie left it, untouched. Must have been angels traveling with us!

Although sometimes unnotised, miracles started long before we left. A week before we left we didn’t have enough funds for the trip. We informed Jesse that we would rather send the money we have in order to feed the poor than to attend the Easter conference. Jesse replied that they would prefer our presence. We prayed and a day later, the money started coming in to our account, some unknown sources.

We purchased maise, potatoes, onions, baked beans. We got donations of clothing, material, books and Bibles. After we purchased the food we got notise that food we purchased is now prohibited from being imported trough the border. This sharpened our prayers. The Bible promised that we will be blessed in the field, in the city, when we go out and when we enter!

The Friday evening before we left, Eddie, attended a prayer evening where a dear friend from Hope Restoration Ministries chatted to him. Without any mention of shortages the Saturday before we had to leave, this friend visited Eddie with an envelope; enough for toll gate fees. This is the God we serve!

We don’t have insurance on our vehicles and this is normally a big hassle at the border. On our way there I asked Eddie wether I should write on the border papers for the vehicles, that we have ‘International Kingdom Insurance’, this will cut the explanations at the border customs shorter. Eddie agreed, and yes this saved us time! We passed through the border real quick, no questions or challenges! This truly is the Lord we worship, He is good indeed! No one even looked in our direction and no searching of the vehicles. Our papers where stamped and signed!

We reached Masvingo around 17:00 that afternoon. Gerhard giggled when we unpacked the vehicle. He couldn’t believe his eyes that we even got plants trough the border. These plants were a gift from a friend to Trudie. We learned that actually it was not us bringing Trudie plants, but our Lord opened the door so we could be the vessel bringing blessings to Trudie. He agreed that angles have been with us through the border so Trudie could be blessed. With Trudie’s previous trip they were searched and some items were confiscated or tax be paid on maize, vegetables, and eggs had to be left at the border.

Once again with Gerhard and Trudie in Masvingo we had a good time. God is faithful, His love endures forever. We had a good night’s rest in their Profit’s room. Trudie was very thankful for all the boxes and bags of material! Thank you to all the loving sponsors!

We left early the next morning for a 400km trip to Banket. We spent two nights with Pastor Gabriel and his wife from Grace Life Ministries. Dear Taurai greeted us friendly with a “Welcome home!” Melorene and Gabriel junior joined in the greetings. Melorene completed her marketing degree in SA last year, but struggles to get a job in Zim, she is currently a part time teacher. Gabriel junior couldn’t complete his O levels due to finances, but makes music and recordings in his home studio. His music is brilliant, and their local congregation use his music in their worship sessions.

Wednesday morning we arrived at Jesse’s 11 hectares farm close to Harare. What a joy! He had good rains during the last view months, the country is beautiful with all shades of green! We couldn’t even spot Jesse’s hut from the road, the grass was higher than the vehicle! Thanks for a GPS! The children and woman came running from the velt and kitchen when they saw our red bakkie. So

wonderful to see all the familiar faces again!! Woman covered their heads and started to dance singing and praying. Jesse appeared from his little hut tired and suffering with flue. All started glorifying the Lord for our safe trip. We assembled under the church shelter. Peace that passes all understanding hovers in the wind and dances with the grass. What a faithful God we serve!

While the woman prepared our breakfast, Jesse shared the latest news. One of our churches was hijacked by some of the congregational members. This has turned into a court case where the members planned on getting rid of the head pastor so they could take control. They drew up a draft for their own constitution, chose their individual leaders and changed the services utilising our building and constitutional Church name. This act of theirs is due to the fact that the church grounds are being used as a car park during the week where funds are accumulated.

Apparently this was a tendancy from years ago and it came to a point where the missuse of our church name had to be put to an end. As we all know; this world is no longer about truth and righteousness. It’s all about the one with the bigger gun or the one whom has the greater clout.

By standing in defending our pastor, both, Eddie and Jesse and the pastor, were summons to court. This has legal cost and we need to cover the legal debt of $160.00. Praise the Lord for a supernatural covering of our debt.

Although our congregation is legal and above board we sometimes wonder if this fight is worth it. We have forgiven and spoken people free, but there are cosequences to all legal actions.

After breakfast, Jesse was phoned by a lawyer and Eddie joined Jesse to court. Peggy and I lead the people in church with song and prayer. We trusted in the Lord as we did at the border.

Justin progressed to grade 1. He contracted mumps and looked a bit swollen due to the swollen glands. I called him, wrapped my hands around his face and prayed for him. He repeated my prayer with his small hands on mine. It is wonderful that me that he finally has accepted us and allowd me to pray for him. I will always cherish his smile in my heart.

Precious little Violet appeared! We last saw her in Augustus 2012. She was just 2 years old then and I remembered that she never smiled, always grumpy or angry. Every body mentioned that she acted like her grandmother. We found out that her grandmother was a traditional healer whom put some animal skin around her neck. Due to my prompting, her mother gave permission that the animal skin be removed by our church leaders then. I was amased that she greeted me with a smile. “The truth will set you free, indeed”. I am a witness that she now runs around, giggling with the other children.

Her Father Moses had since joined our church. While Eddie and Jesse were at court we spent time and he revealed the following story to me.

Moses’s grandmother was a traditional healer. Due to her doing she killed Moses’s mother and brother and apparently Moses was next in line. This created an opportunity for me to explain to Moses bloodline curses, whitchcraft and why Jesus came to this earth. We spent time in prayer and he accepted the Lord as his Saviour. We stood the ground of becoming part of the main olive tree. We are like a wild olive branch being tied to the main tree and from now on we shall carry the name of Jesus spreading it throughout the world. Praize the Lord our God! Afterwards he roasted two corn cobs as a gift for my time. Roasted corn cob is GOOD indeed.

Last time we were on Jesse’s farm we met Paul. He is 75 and has no teeth. His great smile motivates me to come again. A retired poliseman but commanded to keep an eye on the area. They get motivated to stay loyal by being paid when they arrest people. He’s been appoined as headman of the area. We’ve spent some good time in the Word. He’s been saved since an early age. He assured us tha we’re safe in his presence. This confirmed that we are members of International Kingdom Insurance! Amen!

I had another pressious conversation with Catherine, an astute neat woman. She divorced twice with a child from each marriage. Mirriam is now 20, and Ocean 8. These two amased me when they started singing. Ai jai jai! Thanks to the Lord for music.

Catherine appreciates being seen and recognised in neat uniform when she does good works. This most probably stems from her catholic background. As per her request, we prayed together to be released from her up bringing by following rules and laws, which only Jesus can change. This awakened my quest as to why people struggle in reading and understanding the Bible. Ai tog! We should do what the Word says and disregard what people say. The Bible is misinterpreted in many ways.

I tried to explain the good news of grace without good works that no one can boast. Eph 2:8-9. Jesus paid the total price. Everything was covered. Al good works are like dirty rags in the eyes of the lord. We need to pray continiously that the Lord opens her eyes. That the light will shine in her heart.

Eddie and Jesse returned late in the afternoon. We packed and the leaders got onto the vehicle to Banket. This is where we’ve been November 2013. Our aim was to do a course on what the Bible say about giving.

Jesse and Peggy didn’t join us. Marko Mugabe and his wife welcomed us heartedly. Our room was ready as always. This round we invested in a blow up matrass. Nine of our 21 leaders came to attend this training.

Early on the 17th, we had church with people of the surrounding areas. The children entertained us with songs. Marko and Eddie left to see if they could find a tyre since one of the Ford’s tyres was a complete write off from the previous day’s traveling. When driving on some of these roads you have to juggle between driving on the tar or maybe next to the road on the gravel.

For this Eddie had to travel 80km one way to a farming community in Chinoi.

Since Eddie had to leave he handed me his notes on Tithing and offerings. I started with the training and trusted in the Lord and He remained true to His word while I enjoyed myself tremendously. Teaching definitely runs in my blood. The blessing that reflects from the audience when frowns changes into smiles! Awesome!!!

Please pray that the Lord will reveal to them that HIS plan is for their cups to overflow! Pray that this will become reality in their lives. The course ran from 11:00 to 13:00, then from 14:00 till 18:00. Church ran from 20:00 till 22:00.

In the afternoon session they were divided into groups where they had to do sermons on this topic. The feedback was fulfilling.

On the 18th of April we left very early to Zvipane. This was Jesse’s fathers land which they inherrited. This is where we were during Christmas 2012 when they built us a room to stay in whenever we’re in this area.

People popped up at the pre-erected church. What a joy to see the familiar faces. Two weeks prior Jesse visited them and arranged with them for the preparation for Easter. I remember the last time we were there Eddie requested that they fix the roof since it rained and we had to do church singing and dancing in water. In the two weeks they did nothing. When we stopped there, they started fixing the roof! (Hallo Africa! Tell me how you’re doing?)

A new member of our Kariba congregation and Joel were on top of the roof doing thatching. Others were trowing bundles of grass up onto the roof. They finished in time for the 7 o’clock service! (and Africa answered: all is well, thank you! )

Although children were dressed in church uniform, this did not stop them from playing around. I stressed on behalf of the mothers that had to wash the white items. Like all children they had no respect for buttons which got lost during playing around.

Natasha called me to assist with the draping. I remember, last time we held church at night, these draping saved our lives from the breeze that cut through us. So I assisted with pleasure. Imagine, blue and white drapings, while the roofing was done. According to me I was thinking, what a messy situation, but we refused to stress. What we gather from them, the more the atmosphere seems natural, the better it is to them. Ntsisi, had to dust and swept the floor more than once with her and Moses’s youngest, 3 months old, draped to her back. Others gathered wood and water for the kitchen. I amased myself looking at these women, all busy at once, everyone busy with their own dedicated task, creating an atmosphere of joy, preparing for the Lord. Nothing stops them, they work as one. These woman work unconditionally sorting everything, preparing for the great gathering moment.

Eddie of course was treated like a king, not allowed to touch a thing. He took out a Camp chair, sat down and watched everyone running around doing their chores. As per their custom Eddie’s appointed caretaker prepared him some tea. Not just a cup of tea but a massive enamel pot on a table laid for the preacher only. Every now and then someone joins Eddie in a discussion.

People appeared from the surroundoing areas and the number grew. We started the evening with an opening sermon for the Easter conference. Jesse on the other hand arrived at midnight, just as we finished with the sermon. More people got off his vehicle. Apparently he got stuck with two punctures. He had to walk many kilometers in order to fix it. With this temporary fix he could only travel at 60km/h.

I actually need 72 hours to describe our Easter weekend. In stead I’ll try and give a summary.

Starting with the low point; Ntsisi was the appointed preacher couple’s caretaker for this conference. Early the next morning she called us to say that our wash water is ready. They covered the toilet hole with a flat stone. This time the stone was not big enough to cover the hole completely. When I arrived there I noticed that I had not removed my wedding ring for this episode. While washing, the ring felt looser with the water and soap. I panicked that it might perhaps fall into the hole. So, I took care that his would not happen. When finished washing we usually wash the floor by rinsing it with the left over water. This led to my face cloth ending its lifetime in the toilet hole! At first I was annoyed with myself. Outside I ran into Peggy and she cracked herself hearing my story. I begged her not to have it removed though. This episode made me think of our good works that are like filthy rags in God’s eyes…

The so called typed and printed program served as a guide line but the MC changed the program as he wished. This kept us on our toes since many times we were called to preach although it was far from the program! The Lord is good, he strengthens me, and I have learnt not to threat anymore but be prepared for any occasion that might arise. When in SA Eddie and I prepare chapters beforehand and with being involved for a few years now, it gets easier. Eddie preached on Matthews 7, he presented this chapter from every possible angle trying to paint the bigger picture of Jesus. He ripped every verse apart and explained it in context detail. I loved it.

We were fortunate in the sence that a family from the Salvation Army and some from Apostolic Faith Mission joined us for this weekend. A Senator from Zanu PF, and his body guards, joined us on Saturday and Sunday. Eddie has known him since 2007. He was a chief then, progressed to parliment and resently was appointed as Senator for the area. They ate with us, shared with us and enjoyed our company. He came up for prayer. We pray that the Lord will continue in preparing him so that he can bring a change of heart in the government. To God nothing is impossible. He even approached Eddie afterwards and mentioned that we should write him a letter when we come again. This letter can be used at the border as well as at the police road blocks where we can pass without being harassed.

We sang, danced, prayed, preached and presented the Lord. Many commited their lifes to Christ, many were freed from their past, and healing was amongst us. The anointing and oneness came across more beautiful than gold and diamonds.

On Sunday afternoon the leaders gathered for a meeting. Our main topic was the situation with our Mabvuku branch being Hi jacked. Eddie acted as facilitator for this meeting and while I attended in body, I prayed as if we were in a storm. Everyone were given chance to express their view on the situation. The history for the past 6 years unfolded and everyone corporately agreed that the missuse of our congregation name, building, land and our constitution had to be put to an end. Everyone corporately agreed that leadership should go there on Monday to visit Mabvuku and present UCAFC (ourselves) as the original owners of the property and land.

After the meeting, it was my turn to present the next sermon. One of our challenges with the congregations is that people don’t know the Word. What a life changing thing it would be to have everyone learning Romans chapter 8 off by heart! I requested them to break up into groups of 4 and each group had to learn a few verses from Romans 8. Wow what a meeting it turned out to be!

My plan was to strengthen the point that, when the truth resides in your brain, it will eventually filter down to the heart. This will change our outlook on situations in life and we will eventually become overcomers of the sin, lies, bad influences and the world.

I’ve notised in the meantime that Peggy purchased suites for the boys which they never had. Joel chose a glittering blue suite; Jotham chose a grey suite and Justin a navy coloured suite. Jesse and his family took the first 4 verses. I so much wished that Joel would be part of the family when learning the Word. Just as I was looking for him he came running along neatly dressed in his new suite and tie, persperating all over his face, with a live chicken in his hand ready to be slaughtered for supper! Again it struck me that Jesse brought up his sons as allrounders. They are capable of tackling anything since they’ve been moulded to have an all round knowledge of about most aspects in life. Balanced indeed.

Behind the scene Jotham and Joel made a lot of things happen that we do not usually notice. Jotham and Joel would disappear from church and later on we would notise them appearing with oxen and a cart, delivering gathered water, wood and fire including chicken for supper. Amasing!We beg you for prayer so that these two boys will reach their full potential. Joel wants to study medicine and Jotham wants to study Electronic engineering.

Now back to my story. Jesse and his family was first to present their verse in front of the congregation. It went well and Jesse sang his verse! Even Eddie mentioned that Jesse never before sang alone as an individual and that I had gotten something right in getting Jesse to sing! Wow! If this is what we’re here for then I’ll come again. Jesse sang the WORD of God in his own language. My toes started curling! The Lord that we serve is faithfull indeed.

Sunday evening was even better. Eddie and Jesse got involved in a meeting and we continued with church. The Lord was there in the midst of all the worshippers. One person came and offered their tithing of fruit. I got a lemon bigger than my hand! Wow this surely is the first fruit of the Promised Land. Someday we shall see the Lords blessing in the fruit. I dream of a grape as big as water melons where a family will eat from one grape.

This time the food lasted for the duration of the conference. Praise the Lord! My dream that there will be left overs are busy materialising. Punchline: a closed hand can not take hold of what is handed to it. Water can not be poured into an upside down cup. We relayed the message that in order to receive; we need to be in a ‘receiving mode’ this can only be activated by giving of what you have!

We started to greet those that were leaving. At midnight Eddie transported the first group home about 15km away. Natasha, now 12, followed me to our room and asked me why we had to leave. She said that she heard that the Kariba dam wall had cracks and might break and that many people might die. Her frown and broken heart made me cry. She asked me to stay as we promised from the start. I shared with her that I heard the news as well. We took hands I prayed a prayer that we give this dam wall with all of its cracks to Jesus. I explained afterwards that just as we asked Jesus to be in control of the dam wall we had to give our lives with cracks and all to Jesus as well. She also shared that she misses her Father. He used to be Jesse’s oldest brother and after his death Jesse took her as his own.Natasha shared that she wanted her own cellphone and she believes that if her dad was still alive he would organise her one…

In a sence I was happy to leave since this was the last evening we had to share our room with frogs. The first evening we came there we had frogs in our room. I tried my best to hide me thrilling for these beasts. Eddie grabbed them by the skin of their neck and wurled them trough the window. At first I thought that Eddie was going to throw it against the closed window. I realised that the bottom glass was out! At midnight I heard something in the room and later realised that our frog friends were back! Well, Eddie acted as my hero; grabbed them by the neck again and flung them out as if he is in control of the situation. This made me feel better but he had to go wash his hands before touching me again. We slept on a mattress, which is low enough for frogs to jump on so I kept my pose. This happened every evening and I had to either make friends with them or stay under the blankets until Eddie was awake and strong enough to tackle them.

The last morning from 4am, people started packing to leave for our trip to Mabvuku, Harare. Initially the plan was that only 8 would go. The plans changed during the night and 30 started mounting both vehicles. We are still in the process to make peace with the fact that they think and plan different to us. The 200km trip took us 6 hours to complete. Jesse could only travel at 60km/h. The fan belt of his vehicle snapped and Eddie had drive around to find a new fanbelt.While waiting for Eddie, Jesse changed his shirt and started stripping his vehicle. Every one got off and started church under the trees as if this is all common to them. When Eddie returned the fanbelt was replaced and off we went.

We had 4 women in our vehicle and the 3 month old baby Pride. Pride was changed that morning at 5 am, and that was the cloth diaper for the day! No nappy bag, wetwipes, dummies or any orther form of luxuary items to assist the mother. He slept and breastfed in shifts with no problem. How blessed and spoiled are we in SA, however still most of us complain!

Our plan was to at least be in Masvingo at 16h00 daylight. (it did not materialise) We arrived at Mabvuku at 15h00. Church started immediately and food was being prepared since the people never ate troughout our traveling escursions. At 17h00 the police were notified to harrass us. This created a situation whereby we had to go to the police station. This agrivated Eddie, we planned to reach Masvingo during daylight! Another 3 hours away! The church submitted in prayer and worship while

Eddie and Jesse left for the police station. The Lord came through for us again! UCAFC were pointed out as the party with a legal constitution and owner of the property. The other group had to back off. Acts 16 became true to our situation again! If we praise God, He will make a way, because He is the Centre! We must just stay focussed, and singing is a great tool to get our minds set on HIS WILL!

We offered to drop some of the people at Sem Levi whereafter we tackled the 350km trip back to Masvingo. We arrived there just before midnight where Johnny welcomed us with a warm cup of coffee, hot shower and a comfortable bed.

Johnny offered us a breakfast and we left for SA at 10h00. We passed trough the border at 15h00.

Friends of ours shared their timeshare at Clarence with us! God blessed us through them with a week of rest in the beautiful Golden gate! We were desperate for a break since we’ve been in peoples faces 24 hours a day. How do we thank these people? In which way do you express the words “Thank You” and leave an everlasting thank you attitude towards those that treat you so special? Thank you Annemarie and Bertie we truly love and appreciate you!

Back at JHB, life rush past us. Cars race, people run with phones to the ear, malls stay open longer and all run around according to the watch strapped to their wrists. I started with a temp job doing blood samples for insurance companies while in SA. Our future seems bleak in this rat race, waiting and wondering what next? We cannot stop thanking God for keeping us in his hands; in Zim as well as RSA. Maybe one day we’ll look back and understand this part of the puzzle.